Driving a car with a malfunctioning fuel pump is unsafe, and may lead to sudden engine stalls, poor performance, among many other safety concerns. Every fuel pump's primary duty is to ensure a constant flow of pressurized fuel toward the engine; for most modern fuel injected vehicles, this usually hovers at 40 to 60 psi. When the pump begins to falter, it cannot hold this pressure, and it will not be able to deliver fuel properly. The symptoms it causes include symptoms of hard starts, loss of power, and misfires, especially at full acceleration or when driving at high speeds when the demand for fuel is great.
Another symptom of a failing fuel pump might be poor acceleration; basically, the engine doesn't get sufficient fuel to meet the required power. In such conditions, merging onto highways or overtaking other traffic can be extremely challenging and unsafe. In other cases, the outcome is worse, because the engine stalls unexpectedly, which can create serious safety risks, especially if the car is in traffic. Similarly, weak pumps may also cause an imbalanced fuel-to-air delivery, leading the engine to run "lean"-a state where there is too much air and not enough fuel-which may lead to overheating and thus creates further damage to some of the internal components of the engine.
Driving with a failing fuel pump increases the load on the ECU, which will try to self-compensate for low fuel pressure by adjusting fuel injectors and other components. This may work temporarily but at the same time increase the chance of further engine problems. Long-term driving with a weak or failing pump can cut its life from 100,000 miles to less than 60,000 miles and can also result in damaged fuel injectors or a clogged fuel filter, both of which add to repair costs.
Prevention and timely replacement are essential in order to avoid possible accidents and expensive repairs. As Henry Ford, one of the automotive giants, said, "Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success." A worthy investment in a good Fuel Pump and addressing the hitches in the fuel pump at the first signs of trouble will keep the performance of the engine smooth and consistent.